"This is our way of saying 'thanks IKEA co-workers for being strongly committed to working together,' " Mike Ward, IKEA U.S. president, said in a statement.

The company does not give a holiday gift every year, and last year employees received a $50 restaurant gift card, IKEA spokeswoman Mona Astra Liss said.

IKEA said it hopes the bikes will help employees by supporting a healthy lifestyle and providing "everyday sustainable transport."

The bicycles were received "with incredible enthusiasm," Astra Liss said, adding that IKEA customers have responded positively as well after hearing about the gift.

As those who have bought a bookshelf at IKEA might expect, some assembly is required. Employees have to add the seat, pedals and one wheel to complete the process.

Not every business is celebrating a successful year the same way.

Despite record profits, some Wall Street banks are even asking employees to pay to chip in for their own holiday parties.

Only 79% of businesses were expected to throw a holiday party this year, according to a survey released last month by research firm Amrop Battalia Winston. That's the worst turnout since at least the 1980s.

Fast-food chains that operate in more than 30 locations nationwide are the sole target of a new rule in New York to hike their minimum wage to $15. But consumers and small business owners, as well as some employees, may be the ones to pay the price. More